Garrick Johnson, II, a senior at Hazelwood Central High School, now has a clearer picture of what is required in the engineering profession, thanks to the Minority Introduction to Technology Institute he participated in over the summer at the University of Missouri Rolla.
So do Hazelwood East seniors Alana Gray and Quinn Woodard.
The trio spent one-week in the institute, which is designed to enable minority students to obtain a clear picture of engineering as a profession.
“The program was quite a rewarding experience,” said Johnson. “MITE provided key information that gave me more excitement in the field that I desire to involve myself.”
According to the MITE web site, “students become acquainted with various fields of engineering, science, technology and with the demands faced in these fields. Another goal is to acquaint students with the type of effort required for college study.”
Johnson said the Civil Engineering program showed students how to think logically when constructing bridges and participants learned to assemble an electronic domino device from Electrical Engineering branch. MITE students were guided through cyberspace using 3D mechanisms.
“The Mechanical Engineering sector totally intrigued me,” Johnson added. “The type of work that mechanical engineers do, like designing cars, airplanes and roller coasters, is exceptionally overwhelming.”
“Garrick won the Essay Achievement Award,” said Central teacher Geralyn Clifton, whose daughter also participated in the program. “He was asked to read it at the awards ceremony.”
“The program efficiently carried out its purpose to encourage my decisions for the future,” Johnson added.